Although the 15,000 rubber duckies haven't yet hit the water, the ninth annual Great Puget Sound Duck Race (a.k.a. Duck Dash) has officially begun. The kickoff party on May 1 offered up duck adoption papers, dignitaries, music and tickets, all in preparation for the big event at 5 p.m. on July 4 at Juanita Beach Park.
Kirkland Rotary's annual Duck Dash has evolved into a Kirkland Fourth of July tradition. Following the parades downtown, the celebration continues with the Rotary's holiday picnic at the beach; the duck race is at 5 p.m.
The race is a raffle in which duck adoption papers are purchased to participate in the race; proceeds go to various charitable organizations. Each adoption paper represents a small rubber duck with a unique number on its underside. About 15,000 ducks will be dumped into the water at Juanita Park.
They are raced with the help of gas-powered leaf blowers and a boost from a Kirkland Fire Department hose. They will be urged down a gradually narrowing course. Finally the ducks go through a shoot so only one duck finishes the race at a time.
This year there will be 22 prizes. First prize is a Chevrolet Aveo.
For more information, contact Bob Webb at 206-660-9423.[[In-content Ad]]
